AVS 62nd International Symposium & Exhibition
    Biomaterial Interfaces Tuesday Sessions
       Session BI-TuA

Paper BI-TuA2
Immobilized Liquid Layers for Controlled Bacterial, Fungal, and Mammalian Cell Attachment

Tuesday, October 20, 2015, 2:40 pm, Room 211D

Session: Cells and Microorganisms at Surfaces
Presenter: Caitlin Howell, Harvard University
Authors: C. Howell, Harvard University
N. Juthani, Harvard University
N. MacCallum, Harvard University
Y. Kovalenko, Harvard University
S. Kelso, Harvard University
J. Lin, Harvard University
C. Nemr, Harvard University
P. Kim, Harvard University
J. Aizenberg, Harvard University
Correspondent: Click to Email
Immobilized liquid layers, inspired by the Nepenthes pitcher plant, are emerging as a powerful new approach to the control of cellular attachment to surfaces. These layers present a "moving target" for the adhesion of fouling organisms and have shown promise as biofilm-resistant coatings. Tests on clinically-relevant bacteria and fungi such as E. coli, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans, have shown significantly decreased adhesion without toxic effects. Immobilized liquid layers also show promise as tunable platforms for the attachment and detachment of mammalian cells, opening new directions in the area of tissue engineering. Finally, these surfaces can be made to be continuously self-replenishing through the incorporation of a bio-inspired vascular system, extending their longevity. We anticipate that these layers will prove a unique and adaptable platform for controlling the attachment of cells on surfaces.